2016 Domaine Labbé Abymes Jacquère

Price: $19
Region: Savoie < France
Grapes: Jacquère
Vineyard/Cellar Stats: Certified organic, clay and limestone soil with large stones that collected from avalanches, vines are de-budded in spring to control yields; vinified in foudre, 11% ABV
Winemaker: Alexandra and Jérôme Labbé

The alpine Savoie region of France is better known for its skiing, hiking, white water rafting (and Mont Blanc!) than for wine.  But while production isn’t huge here, it’s pretty special, thanks to the high-elevation, rocky sites (minerals!) and the extreme temperatures.  Grapes need to suffer to become beautiful.  And Jacquère, the most widely planted white grape there, is most definitely beautiful when done right.  Alexandra and Jérôme, the second generation of Labbés – two cousins - who in 2004 took over from their parents, are doing it right.  This wine is the very definition of alpine -- light and crisp, like walking outside on a chilly fall morning in the mountains, when maybe a touch a of frost has formed overnight on the grass. The trees are still changing colors and you just want to run down the rocky, grassy slope singing the Sound of Music at the top of your lungs. But instead, you drink. Apples and floral notes dominate, flowing into a salty finish – so clean and minerally, it will clear your head of any stress-induced fog. Invite the neighbors over to share a glass over some cave-y cheese, and channel your inner Julie Andrews.